Valley of the Suns
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3 possible trades between the contending Phoenix Suns and the rebuilding Utah Jazz

By Peter O'Keefe

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 08: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives around Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 08, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 08: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives around Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 08, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul and Mike Conley, Phoenix Suns(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

1. Phoenix Suns land former All-Star Mike Conley

This trade was covered here earlier in the week, with Mike Conley projecting as one of the best sixth men in the league if a trade was to take place.

On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Tony Jones joined Marc Stein to discuss Utah’s situation, reporting that the franchise had engaged other teams about a potential Conley trade.

With two-years and a guaranteed $37 million left on his contract, matching salaries may be difficult for contending teams looking to secure the 34-year-old.

Fortunately, Phoenix are in position to acquire the veteran point-guard should they wish. Here’s how a potential deal may go down –

"Phoenix Receive: Mike Conley Utah Receive: Dario Saric, Landry Shamet, Unprotected 2025 First-Round Pick"

Adding an unprotected first-round pick may be difficult for the Suns to tick off on, but it’s realistically what they’ll need to do.

The Jazz are in the market to acquire expiring contracts, not long-term deals. Shamet has got four years left on his, although the last two are non-guaranteed.

Utah won’t be thrilled to take on that length of contract, meaning the Suns will have to incentivise them by making the first-round pick unprotected.

Conley has declined in recent seasons but could prove to be a difference-maker for a championship contender. He was an All-Star just last year and could provide invaluable leadership and experience.

Taken by the Memphis Grizzlies with the fourth overall pick in 2007, Conley averaged 13.7 points and 5.3 assists last season while shooting over 40% from three on 5.8 attempts per game.

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